By: Joy Odor/Kaduna
The Nigerian Army has acquired over 70 local production armoured fighting vehicles from indigenous motor manufacturing company ‘Innoson Motors Manufacturing Company’ to be deployed in the North East for Operation LAFIYA DOLE.
This was made patent during a partnership meeting between the Management of the Company let by the Chairman, Doctor Innocent Chukwuma and the leadership of the Nigerian Army led by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General TY Burata COAS at the Army Headquarters, Abuja on Tuesday.
According to Lieutenant General Burata, the Nigerian Army desire to deepen its co-operation by partnering with Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited was to conceptualize, design, modify and produce military hardware and for modification of some of its equipment, local production of armoured fighting vehicles and other military hardware.
The COAS stressed that the areas of partnership include the immediate supply of 100 vehicles, supply of appropriate gears, engines and chassis required for immediate modifications and repairs of armoured fighting vehicles in the North East Theatre of Operations.
Lieutenant General Burata also Identify the requirements for production of armoured fighting vehicle in Nigerian Army Central Workshop in Kaduna State and enhancing capacity of Nigerian Army personnel to actively participate on the successful implementation of the joint ventures.
“I recalled with delight that the Nigerian Army being patriotic and in a bid to encourage local entrepreneurs l asked Innoson Motors to supply 3 vehicles early last year which were found to be durable and performing very well as they were employed in combat and proved to be useful, comfortable and convenient in military operations” he stressed.
He congratulated the Innoson Company for the giant strides it has recorded in the production of various brands of vehicles lately.
Responding Doctor Innocent Chukwuma promised to assist the Nigerian Army in its quest for better vehicles for its troops, resuscitation of its Special Vehicle Plant and Workshops and maintaining that his Company would continue to improve and expand its capacity in vehicle manufacturing.
He expressed happiness that the Nigerian Army has found his vehicles working perfectly and commended the Chief of Army Staff for his great sense of patriotism.
Dr. Chukwuma thanked the Chief of Army Staff for the commendation and appreciated the Nigerian Army for the patronage, describing the critical role the Nigerian Army is playing in national development through the fight against insurgency in the North East and Nigeria in general.
“Highlight of the occasion was inspection and handing over of 3 of the newly manufactured vehicles by the company for trial by the Nigerian Army.
“These newly manufactured vehicles are; IVM G80 Bigger Jeep, IVM G40 Smaller Jeep and IVM Granite Pickup.
